Page 46 of Lips of an Angel

He knew damn well what I was implying. “Why is it a problem if it’s Raleigh?”

“I didn’t say it was a problem.”

I stared at him. “I’m nonverbal, Eli. I’m good at reading facial expressions.”

Eli returned his attention to the display of wedding plans in front of him, but he muttered, “You always go running when he calls you, that’s all.”

All it took for him to block me out was to simply avoid looking at me—and it pissed me off. I banged on the table next to the couch, startling him into looking back at me so I could speak. “He’s my best friend, and he’s always done the same for me.” My gestures were sharp, emphasizing my point.

“So have I,” he said softly. “Would you do that for me?”

Stunned, it took me a moment to comprehend the meaning behind his words. Eli had never been a jealous person before, so where was this all coming from?

Eli took my hand, opening his emotions to my powers. Pain slammed into me so hard that I fought to catch my breath.He knew. Or at the very least, he suspected. I shoved the shame aside in anger. I’d chosenhim.I was giving up so much—more than he realized—for this man.

“I’m moving to another state for you, away from everything I’ve ever known.”

“You’ll still have me.” He cleared his throat. “You mean from Raleigh, don’t you?”

I didn’t know what to say. He was right, but that only infuriated me more. “Where the hell is this coming from?” I demanded. “And you better not blame it on wedding stress.”

Before Eli could answer, my phone went off a third time. He jabbed his head toward it. “Better answer him.”

Raleigh’s name popped up a third time, and a chill shot down my spine. My marks stirred beneath my skin uncomfortably, which never happened, driving a spike of panic into my chest.

Whatever stick Eli had up his ass would just have to wait. “There’s a situation downstairs,” I signed stiffly, rising to my feet.

“Of course there is.”

I chose not to address that comment, but as I stormed out of the apartment and made my way downstairs, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. Eli couldn’t have known, right? As much as it pained me to wash Raleigh’s scent off, I’d scrubbed myself until my skin was raw that night.

I descended the stairs, pausing by the closed door. The loud music and sheer number of people out there gave me pause, but the burning beneath my skin pushed me onward.

As usual, the bar was bustling. I could hardly see through the wall of people, much less find a familiar face on the floor. I wormed my way through the crowd of people toward the main bar, where Jack was serving customers. His brow furrowed when he saw me. I waited at the end of the rail until he finished mixing his drink.

He sauntered over, emerald eyeliner glowing under the blacklights. “What’s going on?”

“Raleigh said he needed me. Have you seen him?” Jack licked his lips, eyes distant as he translated my sentence in his head.

Clearly puzzled, he looked toward the door. “I swore he was just here.”

I glanced toward the door, to where Raleigh typically posted himself for the night. Luckily, when I turned back to Jack, Ryder appeared at his shoulder.

“Have you seen Raleigh?” Jack asked him.

Ryder shook his head. “Bathroom, maybe?”

EvenJackknew Raleigh wouldn’t step away from his post without letting someone know where he was. Alarm bells went off in my head.

Ryder and Jack exchanged a look, and I knew what was coming. Before either of them could offer, I signed, “No problem, I’ll go find him.”

“Are you sure?” Ryder asked as he expertly flipped a cocktail shaker for the guest next to me. “If you give me a moment, I can?—”

“It’s fine,” I insisted. “It’s too busy in here to risk losing either of you. Keep an eye on things?”

They both nodded, but Ryder’s eyes never left me as I backtracked through the bar. My first thought was to check the office, but it was empty. I already knew he hadn’t gone upstairs, unless I’d missed him while picking my way to the bar.

No, Eli would’ve texted me. Or not, considering the mood he was in when I fled. I leaned against the wall outside the office, scratching my arms absently. Goddamnthey itched.

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